Monthly Archives: September 2014

Squaring Circles, by Carolyn Mathews, is the sequel to Transforming Pandora. In Transforming Pandora we follow Pandora’s life through a divorce, widowhood and a reunion with her ex-husband, who is now a widower with children. Squaring Circles is a stand alone book, however I recommend reading Transforming Pandora as it is a terrific book. In Squaring Circles we learn that Pandora’s mother, Frankie, has died unexpectedly. The story opens at Frankie’s funeral with Jay, Pandora’s ex-husband and now partner, accidently being dragged into the grave along with the casket. Frankie had been less than happy about Pandora and Jay reuniting and he is suspicious Frankie may have been sending forth a message. I was hooked from the first sentence. Frankie’s death is not the only surprise for Pandora. She learns she has a half brother she never knew about and that he had come to see Frankie prior to her death. Why didn’t her mother tell her? What other secrets did Frankie have? Then Frankie’s grave is disturbed . Someone was looking for something, but for what? As if all this isn’t enough, there is more-lots more.
There is a large cast of interesting characters, including a very special donkey, who find themselves in a variety of relationships and situations The story takes interesting turns and moves quickly. Pandora tries to stay balanced, but her life keeps getting complicated. Will these recent events shape her future?
The author writes with wit and wisdom and this book is a pleasure to read. She has crafted a story in which the reader can bond with the protagonist. I am so looking forward the sequel.
I received this book for free and I give this review of my own free will.

Colliding With Destiny: Finding Hope in the Legacy of Ruth , by Sarah Jakes, is a book filled with inspiration and encouragement. The author tells the story of Ruth and follows her life as well as sharing parts of her own history. She writes with clarity and honesty while offering excellent advice and suggestions to shape a better life.

Even though the chapters are short, the contents are powerful. At the end of each chapter is a journal entry followed by thought provoking questions. This is a book to be both shared and to be reread.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

Into The Canyon, by Michael Neale, is the sequel to his first book, The River. Just like The River, Into The Canyon does not disappoint. In the first book we learned that as a young child Gabriel Clarke’s father died saving two young men from drowning while they were in The River. For years he fought his fear of The River. In 2012, while in an airport, Gabriel had shared part of his life story with a stranger named Blake. Months later Blake shows up at his door and admits his life had changed drastically since their meeting. His wife had left him, taking their children with her. He now realized his priorities had been all wrong. He hoped spending time with Gabriel could help him and he wanted hear the rest of Gabriel’s story. He stayed with Gabriel for seven days. Gabriel’s story in Into The Canyon opens in 1973 when he was training as a river guide. His employer was none other than one of the men his father had saved. The relationship between two men is intriguing. Gabriel’s story is both moving and powerful. His father’s death has cast a shadow on his life and his future remains uncertain. While he shares his story with Blake he also brings him into his world on The River. Will Gabriel’s story help Blake win back what he has lost? This book is eloquently written and the author takes the reader through rich settings. This is a book worth reading.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.